The rain beats down on my body, washing away the dirt from tripping over a tree root. I don't know what really led me to run. I just had to run. As fast as I could. Now, I stop, resting my hand on the tree in front of me, mouth dry as I catch my breath. I look up. It's raining. It's bitter on my skin contrast to the tears on my face. I shut my eyes. "You are not crying. You can't be."

Perhaps if I say it enough, it'll become reality. The trees in the forest that I love so much whisper to me, ask if I'm alright. The voice isn't the wind. I hear my brother's gruff voice, soothing and quiet. But I know he's dead and my mind just wants me to think that he's there.

I flinch at the hand on my shoulder. "Let me go, Johanna. You know that I didn't stand a chance."

"No!" I retaliate with vigor, only for my hands to pass through his ghostly figure. "I won't let you go. Not until I get my revenge."

"Johanna, this is the Capitol. Revenge is useless." I look up into his worried brown eyes. He was always the strong one, telling me peaceful stories of happy endings. It looks like mine isn't a peaceful story.

"I've nothing anymore." I'm surprised to hear that my voice shake. "This soil? Who am I supposed to share it with? My axe? Who will be by my side when I chop down an oak?" He doesn't answer for long moments. "Tell me." My jaw hurts from clenching it, my throat aches from holding back tears.

"Johanna." This is the only time that I hear roughness in his voice. "This is ridiculous. You still have friends in town; they'll take you in."

I curse my obvious tears. "But none of them can replace a brother like you."

"I love you, little sis." He gives me a tight hug. "But I can't stay forever. And your grudge cannot last."

He blows away with the wind and I'm left there, crying stupid tears forged by grief. "I will get my revenge," I vow to the soil under my feet. I get to my knees and screech, a terrible sound to my ears. But it feels so good to just let it out. My throat is raw from screaming. "I'll make them pay for their damned system."

My axe is in a birch tree nearby. I smirk as I twirl it around, heft it. "They'll have no idea who hit them when Johanna of district seven wins the Hunger Games."

I swing with all my might, loving the satisfying crunch of the wood.

It falls, just like my hope of ever living happily. Ever. After.

(A/N) Hello! This came to me on a really rainy day... so I decided to write it. ^_^ Here it is. I hope you enjoyed! And please review and tell me your thoughts whether you like it, hate it, or you find it... 'eh, it's okay'.

Warmest Regards,

Nell